India: Unionized farmers and laborers to rally in New Delhi April 5 /update 1

Event

Unionized farmers and laborers plan to rally in New Delhi April 5 to press various demands, including minimum wages amid high inflation. Participants will assemble at Ramlila Ground; unconfirmed reports also indicate that demonstrators will also march to Parliament House from an undisclosed location at some point in the day. Organizers have as yet released no specific start times for the events. Farmers use tractors to block roads as part of the action.

Additional gatherings are possible, especially near prominent government buildings, popular public squares or grounds such as Jantar Mantar observatory, and along major thoroughfares. Other activist groups may also join the demonstrations. Similar past events have drawn very large crowds of participants.

Authorities will almost certainly monitor the gatherings and may forcibly disperse any groups that become overly disruptive. Officials impose enhanced security measures, including telecommunication restrictions, depending on the level of disruption. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out; localized transport and business disruptions are possible.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a precaution. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Allow additional travel time near gathering sites. Plan accordingly for possible localized business disruptions. Heed all official transport and security advisories.